Loading machine



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F. A. HALLECK LOADING MACHINE origina1 F'i1ed Jan. 11, 1927 7Sheets-Sheet 7 gig/5.

Patented Feb. ll, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE LOADING MACHINEMassachusetts Application January 11, 1927, Serial No. 160,486

Renewed February 15, 1933 1 20 Claims.

This invention relates to loading machines, and more particularly, butnot exclusively, to machines especially adapted for loading coal orother loose material.

An object of this invention is to provide an irnproved coal loadingmachine. Another object of this invention is to provide a coal loadingmachine having improved means for penetrating the pile of loose coal,and for raking the coal onto I the nosepiece or shovel of the machine.Still another oloject of this invention is to provide an improved coalloading machine which is extremely simple and compact and which can bereadily moved about the mine floor, and elciently handle all grades andsizes of coal. It is a further object of this invention to provideimproved means for penetrating a pile of coal, and which meanscooperates with a shovel and conveyor mechanism in an improved manner.Yet another object of this invention is to provide improved means foradjusting the shovel and improved means for swinging the raking memberor toothed roller. A still further object is to provide an improvedtractor mounting for the loading machine whereby the track-laying treadsmay be utilized for propelling the machine along the mine trackway andduring the loading operation. Another object of this invention is toprovide a coal loading machine having improved feeding means thereforand improved controlling means for the feeding means. Still anotherobject of this invention is to provide an improved loading machinehaving an improved, simplied and compact general arrangement of partswhereby the machine may oplerate effectively in a mine having relativelylow head room. These and other objects and advantages of the improvedloading machine will hereinafter more fully appear.

The invention is exempliiied in the improved features of constructionand novel combinations of parts, which will be hereinafter fullydescribed and pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings there is shown for purposes of illustrationone form which the invention may assume in practice.

In these drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the improved coal loading machine, partsbeing broken away to facilitate illustration.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the machine shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a central longitudinally extending vertical sectional viewtaken substantially on line 3 3 of Fig. 2, a part of the tail conveyorbeing omitted for simplicity.

Fig. 4 is a central longitudinally extending vertical sectional viewillustrating details of the tail conveyor and its associated parts.

Fig. 5 is a detail sectional view, taken on line 5 5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a transverse vertical sectional view, taken substantially online 6 6 of Fig. 3, parts being omitted to facilitate illustration.

Fig. 7 is a transverse vertical sectional View, taken on line 1 1 ofFig. 3, parts being omitted to facilitate illustration.

Fig. 8 is a transverse vertical sectional view, taken on line 8 8 ofFigs. 1 and 3, and illustrating details of the feeding mechanism.

Figs. 9, l0 and ll are detail views illustrating the improvedcontrolling mechanism for the feeding mechanism.

Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate parts of the improved conveyor controllingmechanism whereby the conveyors may be simultaneously or selectivelycontrolled.

Fig. 14 is a transverse horizontal sectional view, taken on line |4 I4of Figs. 16 and 17.

Fig. 15 is a transverse vertical sectional View, taken substantially online |5 I5 of Figs. 16 and 17.

Fig. 16 is a longitudinally extending sectional view taken on line |6-I6of Figs. 8 and 14.

Fig. 17 is a longitudinally extending vertical sectional view, taken online Il l'l of Figs. 8 and 14.

Figs. 18, 19 and 20 are detail views illustrating the improved truckWheel mountings, etc.

Fig. 21 is a detail sectional View, parts being shown in elevation,illustrating the lock for maintaining the toothed roller in its adjustedpositions.

Fig. 22 is a detail view illustrating the rail guide, the guide beingshown in a plurality of positions.

Fig. 23 is a detail of the ratchet device for swinging the tailconveyor.

In this illustrative construction there is shown a loading machineespecially adapted for loading y, loose coal or other similar material,and generally comprising a frame or body I, mounted on endlesstrack-laying treads 2, the frame l having adjustably mounted thereon atthe forward end thereof a shovel or nosepiece 3 having a transverse pilepenetrating edge. As shown the frame l has mounted thereon a circulatingconveyor Il, which extends substantially the length of the machine bodyand terminates at its forward end within a cut-away portion or recess 'Iformed within the shovel 3. Pivotally mounted on the frame I is ahorizontally disposed toothed roller or drum 8 extending transversely ofthe machine in advance of the shovel 3 and which is adapted to rake orpull the coal rearwardly and downwardly onto the shovel 3. the loadingmachine about the mine improved adjustable wheel mountings includingwheels 9 are provided and these wheels are adapted to run along a usualmine trackway I6. Adjustably mounted on the rear end of frame I is atail conveyor I I adapted to receive the coal brought back by the frontconveyor 4.

In specifically describing the feeding mechanism for the machine and thecontrolling mechanism therefor, it will be observed that housed Withinthe frame I is a motor I2 having a horizontal longitudinally extendingarmature shaft I3. As clearly shown in Fig. 3 the armature shaft I3 isjournaled at its rear end in roller bearings I4 and this shaft has iixedthereto a spur pinion I5. The pinion I5 meshes with a spur gear I6suitably fixed to a horizontal shaft I1 extending longitudinally of themachine and journaled in suitable bearings I8. Supported on androtatable with the shaft I1 is a spur gear I9 which meshes with spurgears 23 and 2l, the latter also meshing with a gear 22, said gears 26,2|, and 22 being respectively rotatably mounted within bearings 23, 24,and 25 suitably carried within the frame I. Disposed coaxially with thegears 20, 2I and 22 and extending therethrough are horizontal shafts 26,21 and 28, said shafts being arranged parallel with the shaft Il andjournaled in bearings 29 carried by the frame. The gear 2| has a greaternumber of teeth than either of the gears 20 or 22, which have the samenumber of teeth, the purpose of which will be more apparent from thedescription of the operation. The shafts 26, 21, and 28 have suitablyfixed thereto worms 39, 3|, and 32 as shown in Fig. 14. Suitable clutchmechanism is provided for connecting the gears 2l), 2I and 22 to theirrespective shafts 26, 21 and 28, and such mechanism is herein shownas ofthe friction disc type mounted within the gears and having usual leveror other clutch applying mechanism 33. As these clutch mechanisms areidentical in structure a description of one will suiiice for all.

This clutch mechanism specifically comprises a series of friction clutchdiscs 34 carried by the gear 20 and these discs are interleaved with aseries of clutch discs 35 carried by clutch member 36 keyed as at 36atto the shaft 26. Encircling the hub of the member 36 are parallel plates31 and interposed between these plates are coiled springs 3l'a whichcause an equal pressure to be constantly exerted on the clutch discs.Contacting with the outer plate 31 are projections or cams formed onlevers 38 pivotally mounted on a supporting member 38a secured by meansof threads and a lock pin 39h to the hub of the clutch member 36. Asclearly shown in Fig. 17, slidably mounted upon shaft 26 is a clutchmember 39 having formed thereon a cam surface 39a with which the outerends of levers 39 cooperate. The shiftable member 39 has also formedthereon a cam surface 40 with which the outer ends of pivoted levers 4Icooperate., projections 42 being formed on these levers which engage theouter one of a pair of yieldably connected parallel plates 43 similar tothe plates 31. Keyed as at 44 on shaft 26 is a disc supporting member 45carrying a series of friction discs 46 which are interleaved with aseries of friction discs 41 car- During transport of ried by a discsupporting ring 41a keyed at 41b to the machine frame I. The discs 46and 41 constitute a brake for the shaft 26, for a purpose to behereinafter fully described. Similar clutches and brakes are providedfor the shafts 21 and 28. From the foregoing description it will beevident that when the member 39 is shifted axially on the shaft 26 andto the left from the position shown in Fig. 17, the cam surface 39a willcause the levers 38 to swing inwardly, thereby forcing the clutch discs34, 35 together and connecting the gear 20 in driving relation with theshaft 26. It will also be evident that when the member 39 is shifted inthe'opposite direction the cam surface 40 will cause the levers 4I toswing inwardly, forcing the friction discs 46, 41 of the brake togetherand thereby holding the shaft 26 against rotation. The mechanism forshifting the clutch members 39 will be later described.

As is clearly shown in Fig. 8 the means for driving the endlesstrack-laying treads 2 comprises separate alined right and left handshafts 48 and 49 which are connected to driving sprockets 56 and 5I forthe right and left hand treads, said shafts 48 and 49 being journaledwithin bearings 52 carried by frame I and disposed in outwardlyextending hollow trunnions 53 detachably secured to the sides `of theframe. The trunnions 53 have rotatably supported thereon by bearings 54the rear ends of parallel beams or frames 55, the forward ends of thesebeams being connected by a transversely extending rocker arm 56, asshown in Figs. 3 and 6. This rocker arm has formed therein, on its uppersurface, an arcuate recess- 51 which receives a correspondingly curvedportion 51a formed on the machine frame. The rocker arm 56 permits theloading machine to pass over uneven or rugged surfaces without in anyway distorting the tread supporting structure or body.

Again referring to the specific feed gearing, it will be observed thatthe shafts 48 and 49 have reduced inner ends rotatably mounted in abearing 58 carried by the lower side of the frame I, while fixed to saidshafts 48, 49 are differential mechanisms generally designated 59 and63, the specific construction of these differentials being somewhatsimilar to the usual bevel gear differential mechanisms but havesomewhat different connections with respect to the shafts of the drivinggears than is usually had. More specically the construction of thedifferential 59 comprises a spider member 6 l, keyed to the shaft 48,and carrying radial stub shafts 62 upon which are rotatably mountedplanetary bevel pinions 63 meshing with a bevel gear 64 to which is xeda worm gear 65 as by a key connection 65a, said worm gear 65 meshingwith the worm 38 and being driven thereby. As shown the left hand sidesof the pinions 63 mesh with a bevel gear 66 fixed to a sleeve 61rotatably mounted in the bearing 58 and having fixed thereto, on theleft hand side of the bearing 58, a Worm gear 68 meshing with the worm3l and driven thereby. The differential 60 is similar in construction tothe diiferential 69 in that it has an inner bevel gear 69 and planetarybevel pinions 16 which also mesh with a bevel gear 1I, which like thebevel gear 64 has keyed thereto a worm gear 12 meshing with and drivenby the worm 32, YIt will be noted that interposed between the inner endsof the trunnions 53 and adjacent the hubs of the worm gears 65 and 12are ball thrust bearings 13, and these bearings receive the axial thrustof these gears.

Ins

In specifically describing the improved mechanism for driving the tailconveyor it will be observed that fixed at 'i4 (see Fig. 16) to theshaft Il is a clutch housing '|5, carrying a series of clutch discs ltwhich are interleaved with a series of clutch discs 'il carried by aclutch member 13 connected to a sleeve 19 surrounding the shaft |l andsuitably journaled within the machine frame. Surrounding the rear end ofthe sleeve 'l and movable thereon adjacent to the clutch housing 'i5 isa clutch applying member 8 normally resiliently held in clutch applyingposition by a coil spring 8|. The actuating means for the clutchapplying member 8 will be 'later described. The sleeve 'i9 haspreferably formed integral therewith a worm 8'2 which meshes with a wormgear 83 fixed to a horizontal transversely extending shaft @il (see alsoFig. 7) journaled in bearings 85 suitably carried by the machine frame.The shaft 84 has preferably formed integral therewith a bevel pinion E6which meshes with beveled teeth 8l formed on the lower side of a doublebevel gear 38 rotatably mounted on a vertical shaft 89. A bracket t@ isalso provided for supporting the inner end of the shaft 8d. Meshing withbeveled teeth 9| on the upper side of the gear S8 is abevel gear 92fixed to the inner end of a horizontal plural-part shaft 93 journaled asat 94 within the frame.

In accordance with this illustrative embodiment of the invention thereis shown a toothed clutch member 95 (see Fig. 7) keyed as at 9S to andslidable on the cute-r end of the shaft 93. A coiled spring Sl surroundsthe hub of the member 95 and acts between this member and a reactionplate 93 secured as by a screw connection 9S to the shaft 93, andconsequently the clutch member Q5 is yieldably pressed into engagementwith a toothed clutch member Hill rotatably mounted on the shaft 93. Theclutch member |00 carries a sprocket il. The teeth on these clutchmembers 95 and |50 are of the jaw clutch type, the inclined matingsurfaces thereon being adapted to automatically release when the drivingconnections are overloaded, consequently permitting no damage to theconveyor mechanism as a result of such overload. The sprocket lill isconnected through an endless chain connection I2 (see Fig. l) to adriving sprocket |93 which drives the conveyor chain m4 of the tailconveyor (see also Fig. 4).

Improved mechanism is provided for driving the front conveyor e, foractuating the toothed roller, for swinging the toothed roller about itspivot, and for adjusting the shovel S, and such mechanism specificallycomprises a bevel pinion. |85 rigidly secured to the forward end of thearmature shaft it (see Figs. 3 and 6) and this bevel pinion meshes witha larger bevel gear iifi fixed as by a key and screw connection im' to ahorizontal transversely extending shaft EQ2, the latter being journaledin bearings lil-9 suitably carried within the machine frame. The bevelgear |06 is made hollow and carries therein a series of clutch discslill which are interleaved with a series of clutch discs lil carried bya clutch member l 2 fixed to a sleeve i3 surrounding the shaft Hi8 androtatably mounted on the frame. Mounted cn and slidable axially relativeto the sleeve ||3 is a clutch applying member I4 normally held in clutchappyling position by means of coiled spring H5.

As clearly shown in Fig. 6 the sleeve H3 has xed thereto a spur pinion il which meshes with larger spur gear l1, keyed at H8 to a horizontaltransversely extending shaft ||9 journaled in bearings |20 carried bythe machine frame. Fixed as at |2| to the shaft lill and spacedlongitudinally thereof are sprockets |22 and |23, which cooperate withand drive the front conveyor il, the latter being adapted to becirculated` within suitable guides formed on the adjustable shovel 3 andon the machine frame, this conveyor l constituting side chains meshingwith sprockets |22 and |23 and transverse Scrapers |24 which are movablealong a transverse plate |25. Also secured to the shaft H9 at its endsare sprockets it which are connected through endless chain connections|23 to sprockets |2la suitably fixed to the transverse supporting shaft|28 for the toothed roller 8. It will be here noted that the drive chain|27 is guided within hollow parallel arms |29, which support at theirforward ends the toothed roller 8, and these arms are pivoted at theirrear ends as at i3@ on outwardly extending trunnions Si (sec Fig. 6)carried by the sides of the machine frame. As indicated by dotted linesin Fig. 3, idler rolls |32 are provided for guiding the drive chains|21, while also cooperating with each drive chain is an adjustablymounted roller |33. These latter rollers are utilized to vary thetension of the chains |27 in an obvious manner. From the foregoingdescription it will be evident that when the clutch is applied and themotor running, the toothed roller is rotated and the front conveyorchain is circulated within its guides. The mechanism for controlling theclutch applying member H4 will be later described.

As previously pointed out the toothed roller is mounted fo-r swingingmovement and the mechanism for swinging this roller specificallycomprises a clutch housing i3d, secured as by a key and screw connection|35 (see Fig. 5) to the shaft Hi8, and this clutch housing carriestherein a series of clutch discs which are interleaved with a series ofclutch discs I3? carried by a clutch member |38 fixed to the inner endof a sleeve |39surrounding the shaft l and suitably journaled on themachine frame. As illustrated, surrounding the sleeve |39 is a clutchapplying member itil, while keyed to the outer end of this sleeve as atld! is a spur pinion E52 meshing with a larger spur gear M3 xed as atldd to the hub portion of a sprocket |45 rotatabiy mounted on the shaftl i 5l. The sprocket |45 is connected through an endless chainconnection M6 (see Fig. 1) to a sprocket ll'l, fixed to a horizontaltransversely extending shaft H48, the latter being journaled in theforward ends of forwardly projecting side portions |49 on the machineframe. In this instance the shaft |2248 has xed thereto spur pinions |59(see Fig. 2) and these pinions mesh with arcuate toothed members or gearsegments ibi, suitably rigidly secured to the inner sides of theparallel arms |2. Secured to the inner sides of the parallel arms 52S isa transversely extending bracing rod |52 (see Figs. 2 and 3). From theforegoing description it will be evident that when the clutch |35, |31is applied the pinions I5?! will be rotated, and the arms |29 and thetoothed roller 8 will be swung upwardly about their pivot. It will alsobe noted that when the clutch |35, i3? is released the toothed rollermay flo-at or ride upon the pile of coal o-r other material to beloaded, the roller moving upwardly downwardly over the coal pile.However, in certain instances it been found desirable to so control thetoothed roller in such manner. as to prevent its entire weight fromresting on the coal, it having been found that the entire weight of theroller crushed the coal. When the toothed roller 8 is in raisedposition, it is adapted to be lo-cked against downward movement, andthis locking means comprises a dog or pawl |53 (see Fig. 21) adapted toengage the teeth of the gear |43, the dog being suitably secured to ashaft |54. This shaft has fixed thereto at the outer end thereof anoperating handle |555.

When it is desired to move the loading machine about the mine, thesho-vel 3 is lifted from the position shown in Fig. 3 to the positionshown in Fig. l, and the mechanism for accomplishing this adjustmentcomprises hooks |56 mounted for swinging movement on a horizontaltransversely extending shaft |51 fixed to the sides of shovel 3, andthese hooks are adapted to be connected to laterally projecting pins orlugs |51a carried by the arms |29 (see Fig. 19). Fixed to one of thehooks |59 is an operating lever |58, while a coiled spring |59 normallymaintains the hooks in their released position. When it is desired toraise the shovel 3 from the mine bottom the operator grasps the lever 58and swings the hooks |58 forward into engagement with the lateral pins|51a on the arms. Upon application of the clutch |36, |31 the arms |29may be swung upwardly, consequently swinging the shovel member 3 aboutits pivot |99. To prevent excessive downward movement of the shovel 3the same has connected thereto loose-link chains |6| which are adaptedto be connected at their free ends to hooks |62 on the inner sides ofthe projecting portions |59 of the machine frame The actuating means forapplying or releasmg the feed controlling clutches 34 and 35 and thebrakes 46, |1, the tail conveyor controlling clutch 1o, 11, the clutchlli), IH, for controlling the actuating means for the front conveyor 4and for rotating the toothed roller' 8, and for applying and releasingthe clutch |39 and |31 for controlling the swinging of the toothedroller and for raising or lowering the shovel, will now be described.The controlling mechanism for the clutch |36, |31 comprises a pivotedshipper yoke |65, secured to a vertical shaft |66 rotatably mounted onthe machine frame and having secured thereto a crank or arm |61. The arm|61 has pivotally connected thereto a reciprocable actuating orpull rod|68 extending rearwardly longitudinally of the machine and beingpivotally connected as at |69 to the lower end of a pivoted operatinglever |18 f Fig. 1) Cooperating with the clutch applying member 4 forthe clutch M9, lil is a shipper yoke |1|, secured to a vertical shaft|12 mounted on the machine frame, and this shaft has secured thereto acrank or arm |18. The arm |13 is connected at its outer end at |14 to areciprocable actuating rod |15 extending rearwardly longitudinally ofthe machine at the opposite side thereof from the rod |68, and ispivotally connected at its rear end at |16 to a crank |11 secured as at|18 to a sleeve |19, the latter being rotatably mounted on the sides ofthe machine frame. The sleeve |19 has secured thereto, at the endthereof opposite from the crank |11, a lever |89 (see Fig. 12). Arrangedcoaxially with the sleeve |19 is a shaft |8|, and xed thereto is a lever|82, similar to the lever |89. As clearly shown in Fig. 13 the lever |82has formed thereon a bifurcated portion |83, and projecting within thisportion is a lever |84 pivoted at |85 on a horizontal axis on the frameAlso pivotally connected to the lever |84 at |86 is an actuatingl rod|81 extending rearwardly longitudinally of the machine and beingpivotally connected to an arm |88, xed to a horizontal transverselyextending actuating rod |89 (see Fig. 1). The rod |89 also has securedthereto arms |90 (see Fig. 16) connected through links 9| to a clutchyoke |92 pivoted at |93 on the ma chine frame and cooperating with theapplying member- 80 for the controlling clutch 16, 11 for the tailconveyor |94.

Referring to Figs. 12 and i3 it will be observed that xed to the side ofthe frame is a laterally projecting pin |94 which. has pivotally mountedthereon a lever |95. The lever |95 is also adapted to be. slidlongitudinally of the pin |94. When the lever |95 is in the positionshown in Fig. 12 and the operator swings the same, it will be obviousthat the levers |89 and |82 will also be swung and consequently theclutches 18, 11 and H0, will be simultaneously applied and the conveyors4 and |99 simultaneously actuated. If it is desired to actuate thelevers |88, |82 selectively, the operator may slide the lever |95axially on the pin |94 so that when the lever is swung only one or theother^ of the levers is engaged thereby. From the foregoing descriptionit will be evident that the front and tail conveyors may besimultaneously or selectively operated at the will of the operator.

As shown in Fig. l5 the actuating mechanism for the feed controllingclutches and brakes cornprises a shipper yoke |99 xed to a horizontaltransversely extending actuating rod |91, the latter having securedthereto at |98 a crank |99. The crank |99 has pivotally connectedthereto at its lower end at 289, an actuating rod 20| extendinglongitudinally of the machine, and which is pivotally connected as at202 to a crank 203 (see Fig. 9), keyed to a horizontal shaft 204extending transversely of and journaled on the machine frame, and thisshaft has xed thereto, at its opposite end, an arm 295 having formed inthe upper surface thereof a notch 206. As shown in Fig. 9 the shaft 294has arranged coaxially therewith a rotatable sleeve 201 having 5 fixedthereto at 208 an arm 209 and this arm has a notch 2 0 and is identicalto the arm 205. The sleeve 291 has fixed thereto as at 2|| a dependingcrank 2|2 having pivotally connected thereto as at 2 |3 an actuating rod2 I4 extending rearwardly longitudinally of the machine and beingpivotally connected at the rear end as at 2|5 (see Fig. 15) to the lowerend of a crank 2|6 fixed as at 2|1 to the outer end of a horizontaltransverse-ly extending rod 2 |8 rotatably mounted within the machinefram-e. The rod 2|8 has fixed thereto a shipper yoke 2 9 cooperatingwith the clutch actuating member 99 for the gear 22. Again referring toFig. 9 it will be observed that pivotally mounted on the rod 204,between the arms 205 and 209, is an operating lever 220 having anopening 22| within which a transverse pivoted lever 222 is arranged.Pivotally connected at 223 to the lever 222 is a controlling rod 224connected at its opposite end to a pivoted latch member 226. The lever222 is adapted to cooperate With the notches 286, 2 I9 in the arms 205and 209 respectively.

It will be evident from the foregoing description that when the lever222 is in the position in Fig. 9, that is in engagement with bothnotches 208, 2 0, and when the operator swings the lever 220, the arms205 and 209 will be also swung, and consequently the clutchescontrolling the connection of the gears 20 and 22 to the shafts 26 and28,

respectively, will be applied, and the worm gears 65 and 12 will besimultaneously rotated. The operator then applies the brake t6, '21preventing rotation of shaft 21, and consequently rotation of the worm3i and worm gear 68 is prevented. Also, the bevel gears 56 and 68 willbe held against rotation, and the planetary pinions 63 and 18 will reacton and roll around these stationary bevel gears, thereby effectingrotation of the shafts 63 and it simultaneously at a relatively highspeed, and feeding the machine forwardly at such speed. When it isdesired to turn the machine, the track-laying treads are separatelyoperated, the operator swinging the latch 226 in one direction or theother about its pivot, thereby connecting one or the other of the cranks2&5, 2655 to the lever 222.

The mechanism for actuating the applying member for the clutch and brakefor the shaft 21 comprises a shipper yoke 221 cooperating with theshiftable member 39 and fixed to a horizonn tal shaft 228 alined withthe shaft 21S. The lower end of the shipper yoke has a slot 228 withinwhich a pin 235 carried by a crank 2.3i cooperates, and this crank isfixed at 232 to a horizontal actuating rod 283 extending transversely ofthe machine and journaled thereon. Fixed as at 232 to the rod 233 is acrank 235 pivotally connected at its upper end at 236 to an actuatingrod 221, the latter extending forwardly longitudinally of the machine.The forward end of the rod 231 is pivotal-ly connected at 238 to thelower end of a lever 239 pivoted as at 222 on the side of the machineframe. (See Fig. 10.) It will be seen that when the operator swings thelever 23S in one direction or the other either the clutch 32, 35controlling the connection of the gear 2l to shaft 21 or the frictionbrake for braking rotation of shaft 21 will be applied. When the clutch32, 35 is applied the worm 3l is connected to the shaft 21 and uponapplication of the brakes on shafts 26 and 28 the machine may be fedrearwardly at a fast speed. If it is desired to feed the machineforwardly at a slow speed, the operator applies the friction clutchthereby connecting the gears 22, 22 respectively to the shafts 26, 28,and also swings the lever 228 to apply the clutch for connecting thegear 2E tc the shaft 21 and consequently the worm gears 65 and 12 aresimultaneously rotated at a relatively high speed in one direction whilethe worm gear 6B is rotated at a slightly slower speed in the oppositedirection, the difference in speed of the gears 65, 12, and 68 being dueto the difference in the number of teeth on the gears 25, 22, and 2i.Therefore, it will be observed that the bevel gears 62 and 1l will berotated in one direction while bevel gears 66 and 69 will be rotated inthe opposite direction at a slower speed, and the planetary pinions andshafts 48 and 49 are consequently rotated at a relatively slow speed andthe machine fed forwardly at suc-h speed.

Referring to Figs. 4, and 1, it will be observed that the tail conveyorIl is pivotally mounted as at on horizontal trunnions 24| integral witha rotatable turret member 242 guided as at on the machine frame l forrotation about a vertical axis. It will be noted that the turret member2st has secured thereto the vertical shaft 8S. The tail conveyor li alsocarries a plurality of rollers 2152 mounted on shafts 245 carried by theconveyor frame, and these rollers are adapted to rcil around a circulartrackway 245 arranged concentrically with the axis of horizontalswinging movement of the tail conveyor. As illustrated the tail conveyoril has a tiltable portion 241, pivoted as at 248 on a horizontal axis,and this tiltable portion 241 has formed thereon an arcuately arrangedtoothed or gear segment 249 with which pinions 256 mesh, the latterbeing secured as at 251 to a horizontal transversely extending shaft 252journaled on the tail conveyor frame. As shown in Fig. 5 the shaft 252has secured thereto an .operating crank 253 while secured to the hub ofone of the spur pinions 250 is a brake drum 254. Cooperating with thisbrake drum is a brake band 255 having an operating lever 256. This brakeis adapted to lock the spur pinions against rotation thereby to maintainthe tiltable portion 241 of the tail conveyor in its different adjustedpositions. As shown, coiled springs 251 are provided at each side of thetail conveyor, and each spring is attached at one end thereof at 253 tothe tilting portion 241, and at the other end thereof at 258 to atransverse brace rod 25! carried by the non-tiltable portion of theconveyor. These springs constantly urge the tiltable portion of the tailconveyor into its extreme elevated position and consequently facilitatethe upward tilting thereof. To augment the spring 251 a coiled spring26| is provided surrounding the shaft 252 and having one end thereofsecured at 252 to the conveyor frame and the other end thereof securedat 263 to an adjustable collar 254i secured to the shaft 252. To swingthe tail conveyor laterally about its vertical axis a worm tooth rack orgear segment 265 is suitably secured to the tail conveyor frame, andmeshing with the teeth on this rack is a worm 266 suitably secured to ahorizontal transversely extending shaft 261 suitably journaled on theconveyor frame. This shaft has fixed thereto a ratchet 268 with which areversible pawl or dog 269 cooperates, the dog being carried by a lever210 (see Fig. 23). The .other end of the shaft 261, at the side of themachine opposite from the ratchet, has xed thereto a hand Wheel 211. Itwill be obvious that when the worm 255 is rotated in one direction orthe other, the tail conveyor may be swung laterally in either direction.Suitable adjusting devices 212 and 213 are also provided for adjustingthe conveyor chains of the front and tail conveyors, respectively.

Improved adjustable mountings are provided for the truck Wheels 8, andthese mountings comprise arms 214i, the arms for the front wheels beingpivoted on the horizontal shaft |51 as at 215. The rear arms are pivotedon the body of the machine. These arms are slotted at 216, and theseslots receive transverse axles 211, the axles being retained in theslots by bolts 218. In this instance the axles 211 have formed thereon,intermediate their ends, curved upper surfaces 219, which engage curvedsurfaces 228 formed on the frame. It will be obvious that the axles maytilt vertically about the curved surfaces 219, 285, the bolts 218preventing excessive tilting movement of the axles. Pvotally connectedto the ends of these axles are brackets 28! having stub shafts 282 onwhich the wheels 9 are journaled, and each of these brackets carries aprojecting arm 283. The arms 283 of each pair of wheels are connected bya transverse tie rod 284 for maintaining the truck wheels in alinement.Coiled springs 265 are connected at one end to the arms 283 and at theother end to the axles at 286 for holding the wheels straight. As theloading machine runs along the trackway around corners, the springs 265yield sufciently to permit the wheels to turn slightly. The upper partof each of the arms 2id has formed therein a series of apertures 28?which are adapted to receive a lever or bar to enable the operator torock the wheels about their pivots into their operative position, stoplugs 288 formed on the arms 274 cooperating with lugs 289 formed on theframe at that time. The arms 214 for the front wheels are adapted to beheld in elevated position by means of hooks 299, pivoted at 29| on theshovel and having engaging portions 292 which embrace the treads of thewheels. A hook 293 is carried by the machine body and is connectible tothe rear axle for holding the rear wheels 9 in their raised orinoperative position. (See Fig. l.)

The track-laying treads 2 are adjustable vertically, and to accomplishsuch adjustment hooks 29A are pivoted at 295 to the tread frame, andthese hooks are engageable with lateral pins 299 carried by thesupporting arms |29 for the toothed roller. It will be evident that whenthe roller is elevated and the hooks 294 connected to the pins 296, thetreads are also elevated and the machine is supported wholly by thetruck wheels at that time. It will be also seen that the treads may belowered by the roller supporting arms |29 into contact with the trackrails, thereby enabling the treads to propel the machine about the minetrackway. If desired, however, the rear truck may be detached from theframe and the rear end of the machine will then be supported by thetreads. When the machine is supported in this manner flanged guidemembers 29'! (see Fig. 22) pivoted on the frame at 298 are swungdownwardly with the flanges thereon engaging the sides of the rails,thereby preventing the treads from slipping laterally from the track.Suitable locking latch means is provided for maintaining guide members291 in their operative and inoperative positions as indicated at 299,this latch being engageable with locking recesses 390 on the members291.

The general operation of the improved coal loading machine is asfollows: As previously pointed out the machine may travel about the mineunder its own power and propelled by the track-laying treads 2, or maybe hauled about the mine when wholly supported by the truck wheels 9.During transport the treads may be connected to the roller supportingarms |29 by means of the hooks 294 and these arms may be swung upwardlyto elevate the treads or to control the amount of contact thereof withthe track rails. When the coal face or coal pile is reached the truckwheels 9 are hooked up under the shovel 3 and the hooks 29d aredisconnected from the arms |29 and the machine is fed forwardly by thetreads 2 at a high speed until the shovel 3 has penetrated the pile, thetoothed roller being elevated and locked at that time. After the shovelhas penetrated the coal a sufhcient distance, the roller lock isreleased, and the coal is raked down by the roller onto the conveyor 4.In certain instances it has been found desirable to utilize the tooth-edroller as an undercutter and as a means for breaking the coal. tosuitable size. During this undercutting operation the machine may be fedforwardly at a slow speed, such speed also being utilized during certainof the loading operations. When it is desired to retract the machinefrom the coal it is fed rearwardly at a relatively high speed.Furthermore, if it is desired to raise the shovel 3 from the mine oorthe hooks |5t` are again connected to the arms |29 of the toothed rollerand the latter swung upwardly. These and other operations of theimproved coal loading machine will be clearly apparent to those skilledin this art.

While I have in this application specifically described one form whichmy invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that thisvform of the same has been shown for purposes of illustration and thatthe invention may be modified and embodied in various other formswithout departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A loading machine comprising a portable body, a tractor mounting forsaid body, the latter being movably mounted thereon, a shovel membermounted on said body, meansy for supporting said body with said tractormounting out of contact with the mine floor comprising truck wheelscarried by said body and shovel member, said wheels being adapted to runalong a trackway, a rotary raking device. pivotally mounted on said bodyand cooperating with said shovel member for moving the material to beloaded thereon, and

means for connecting said tractor mounting to f said raking device formovement therewith in such manner as to permit contact of thetracklaying treads of said tractor mounting with the track rails toeiect propulsion of the loading machine while. supported on said truckwheels.

2. A loading machine comprising a body supported on tracklaying treadsand a mounting for said treads movable relative to said body, a shovelmember carried by said body, means` for supporting said body with saidtreads in elevated position comprising truck wheels carried by said bodyand said shovel member, said wheels being adapted to run along atrackway, a rotary raking device pivotally mounted on said body andcooperating with said shovel member for moving the. material to beloaded thereon, and means for connecting said tread mounting to saidraking device for movement therewith in such manner as to permit thelowering or said treads into contact with the track rails to effectpropulsion of the loading machine While supported on said truck wheels.

3. A loading machine comprising a body supported on tracklaying treadsand a mounting for said treads movable relative to said body, means forsupporting the machine with said treads in elevated position out ofcontact with the mine oor comprising truck wheels carried by said bodyadapted to run` along a trackway, a conveyor carried by said body, meansmovably mounted on` said body and cooperating with said conveyor formoving the material to be loaded there,- on, and means for connectingsaid tread mounting to said material moving means for movement therewithin such manner as to permit the treads to be lowered into contact withthe track rails to effect propulsion of the machine along the track-Way.

4i. A. loading machine comprising a body supported on tracklaying treadsand a mounting for said treads movable relative to said body, a shovelmember pivotally mounted on said body, a rotary raking device pivotallymounted on said body cooperating with said shovel member for moving thematerial to be loaded thereon, means for supporting the machine withsaid tracklaying treads in elevated position out of contact with themine iloor comprising truck wheels carried by said body and by saidshovel member and adapted to run along a trackway, and means forconnecting said tread mounting to said rotary device for Swingingmovement therewith in such Ymanner as to permit the treads to be loweredinto Contact with the` track rails for effecting propulsion of themachine along the traclrway while supported on said truck wheels.

5. A loading machine comprising a body supported on tracklaying treadsand a mounting for said treads movable relative to said body, a shovelmember pivotaliy mounted on said body, a rotary raking device pvotallymounted on said body and cooperating with said shovel member for n-ovingthe material to be loaded thereon, means for supporting the machine withsaid tracklaying treads in elevated position out of contact with themine floor cornprisinCr truclr wheels carried by said body and by saidshovel member and adapte-d to run along a trackway, means for connectingsaid tread mounting to said rotary device for swinging movementtherewith in such manner as topermit the treads to be lowered intocontact with the trace rails. for effecting propulsion of the machinealong the traclrway while supported on said truck wheels, and means forconnecting said shovel member to said rotary device for movementtherewith to effect raising and lowering of said sho-vel member.

6. A loading machine comprising a portable body, a tractor mounting forsaid body including endless traction treads, truck wheels adapted to runalong a trackway for supporting the forward end of said body while therear end thereof is supported on the trackway by said treads with thelatter in engagement with the trackway, and means for guiding the rearend of said body to prevent lateral movement of the treads relative toythe trackway including guide members engaging the rails of the trackway.

'7. A loading machine comprising a portable body, a tractor mounting forsaid body including endless traction treads, truck wheels adapted to runalong a trackway for supporting the forward end of said body while therear end thereof is supported on the trackway by said treads with thelatter in engagement with the trackway, and means for guiding the rearend of said body to prevent lateral movement of said treads relative tothe trackway including pivoted guide members swingable into engagementwith the rails of the traclrway.

8. In a loading machine, a portable body, a tractor mounting for saidbody, a shovel pivotally connected to said body, a wheel mounting forsaid body and tractor mounting for supporting said body together withsaid tractor mounting in an elevated position including truck wheelscarried by said body and shovel and adapted to run along a traclway, thetruck wheels carried by said shovel having a mounting pivotallyconnected to sai-d shovel and swingable into operative and inoperativepositions relative thereto, and a member Vpivoted on said shovel forholding said pivoted wheel mounting in one position.

9. In a loading machine, a portable body, a tractor mounting for saidbody, a shovel pivotally connected to said body, and a wheel mountingfor said body and tractor mounting adapted to support said body togetherwith said tractor mounting in an elevated position including truckwheels carried by said body and shovel and adapted to run along atrackway, sald truck wheels having mountings pivotally connected toksaid shovel and body respectively and swings-ble into operative andinoperative positions, and members pivoted on said shovel and body forrespectively holding said pivot-ed truck wheel mountings in theirinoperative position.

10. A loading machine compri a body and supporting means for the bodyproviding mobility therefor, said body having a gathering conveyorextending upwardly from a point in advance thereof and towards the topof said body and cluding upper and lower runs, a transversely extendingshaft on said body, means supported by said 'oody for driving saidshaft, driving connections between said shaft and the lower run of saidgathering conveyor, and a supplementary gathering device havingsupporting arms journaled coaxially with said shaft and having drivingconnections extending through said arms and having a driving element onsaid shaft.

1l. A loading machine comprising a. body and supporting means for thebody providing mobility therefor, said body having a gathering conveyorextending upwardly from point in advance thereof and towards the top ofsair1 body and including upper and lower runs, a transversely extendingshaft on said body extending underneath said conveyor, means supportedby said body for driving said shaft, driving connections between saidshaft and the lower run of said gathering conveyor, a supplementarygathering device having supporting arms journaled coaxially with saidshaft and having driving connections extending through said arms andhaving a driving element on said shaft, and means including a drivingelement coaxial with said shaft for swinging said sup-porting arms.

l2. In a loading machine, a body having supporting means providingmobility for said body,

a shovel member adjustably mounted on the body for movement relativethereto, conveying mechanism including a conveyor having a portionsupported by said shovel member and a relatively xed portion relative towhich the rst mentioned portion is pivotally adjustable. mechanism forraking the material to be loaded onto the shovel, comprising a membermovable relative to the body and swingable bodily about an axis adjacentthe axis of movement of the first mentioned portion of the conveyor,mechanism for effecting movement of said member relative to said bodyincluding driving connections including a driving member rotatable on anaxis in the same line with the axis of swinging movement of said rakingmechanism, and mechanism for driving said conveying mechanismcooperating with the latter at a point in the relatively stationaryportion thereof.

13. A loading machine comprising a body and supporting means for thebody providing mobility therefor, a shovel member mounted on the bodyfor movement relative thereto, a conveyor having a portion supported bythe body and another portion supported by the shovel member for movementtherewith and relative to the rst portion, means for raking the materialto be loaded onto the shovel and conveyor, supporting means for saidraking means including arms extending forwardly from said body, saidbody having laterally disposed forwardly extending portions adjacent theupper part thereof, means for swinging said raking means upwardly anddownwardly including a transversely extending shaft supported in saidforwardly extending portions and means connecting said relaimeans withsaid transversely extending shaft arranged outside said forwardlyextending portions of said body, said connecting means operative totransmit motion to said arms whether the latter lie above or below saidtransverse shaft.

14. A loading machine comprising a body and supporting means for thebody providing mobility therefor, said body having side frames eachhaving a portion projecting forwardly from said body at the upperportion of the latter, gathering means including side arms movablysupported by said side frames, a gathering roller rotating on ahorizontal transversely extending axis arranged at the forward ends ofsaid arms, means for raising and lowering said arms including arcuateracks carried by said arms at a point intermediate said roller and thepivot poi'nts of said arms, pinions engageable with said racks androtatably supported at the forward ends of the forwardly projectingportions of the side frames, and driving connections extending throughone of said side frames for said pini'ons.

15. In a loading machine, a body having supporting means providingmobility for said body, a shovel member adjustably mounted on the bodyfor movement relative thereto, conveying mechanism including a conveyorhaving a portion supported by said shovel member and a relatively fixedportion relative to which the iirst mentioned portion is pivotallyadjustable, mechanism for moving the material to be loaded onto theshovel comprising a member movable relative to the body and swingablebodily about an axis adjacent the axis of movement of the firstmentioned portion of the conveyor, mechanism for effecting movement ofsaid member relative to said body including driving connectionsincluding a driving member rotatable on an axis in the same line withthe axis of swinging movement of said material moving mechanism, andmechanism for driving said conveying mechanism cooperating with thelatter at a point in the relatively stationary portion thereof.

16. A loading machine comprising a body and supporting means for thebody providing mobility therefor, said body having forwardly projectinglaterally arranged frame portions adjacent the upper part thereof, saidframe portions constituting the uppermost parts of said body, a powerrotated shaft journaled in the forward ends of said portions, a pair ofarms journaled on said body and extending forwardly beyond said shaftand supporting a rotary gathering member, actuating means for saidgathering member, said arms disposed outside the space between saidlaterally arranged frame portions and providing an enclosure for aportion of said actuating means, operative conections between saidrotary shaft and said arms for raising said arms and thereby saidgathering member, conveying means supported by said body and lyingbetween said frame portions and extending from the rear of said machineforwardly to a point adjacent said gathering member, said conveyingmeans having an upwardly moving run occupying substantially the entirespace laterally between said frame portions, and a lower run, a powerrotated shaft for driving said conveying means lying beneath the lowerrun and carrying devices coacting directly with said lower run betweenthe ends of the latter to drive the conveyor, and driving connectionsbetween said latter shaft and said first mentioned power rotated shaftarranged outside the vertical planes in which said upwardly movingconveyor run travels.

17. A loading machine comprising a body and supporting means for thebody providing mobility therefor, said body having forwardly projecting,

laterally arranged frame portions adjacent the upper part thereof, saidframe portions constituting the uppermost portions of said body, ahorizontal, power rotated shaft journaled in the forward ends of saidportions, a pair of arms journaled on said body on an axis in ahorizontal plane below the horizontal plane of said shaft, said armsextending forwardly beyond said shaft and supporting a rotary gatheringmember, actuating means for said gathering member, said arms disposedoutside the space between said laterally arranged frame portions andproviding an enclosure for a portion of said actuating means andswingable upwardly to a position in which the axis of said shaftextended will pass beneath the most adjacent portion of said arms,operative connections between said rotary shaft and said arms forraising said arms and thereby said gathering member, conveying meanssupported by said body and lying between said frame portions andextending from the rear of said machine forwardly to a point adjacentsaid gathering member, said conveying means having an upwardly movingrun occupying substantially the entire space laterally between saidframe portions, a powerrotated shaft for driving said conveying means,and driving connections between said latter shaft and said firstmentioned power rotated shaft.

18. A loading machine comprising a body and supporting means for thebody providing mobility therefor, said body having forwardly projectinglaterally arranged portions and supporting between said portions anendless gathering conveyor extending upwardly from a point in advance ofthe body supporting means, and rearwardly, said conveyor comprisingupper and lower runs, driving means for said conveyor, a shovelextending forwardly and downwardly from the upper run of said gatheringconveyor, a rotary gathering device, supporting arms for the gatheringdevice pivotally mounted on said body and swinging in planes outsidesaid laterally arranged portions of said body and supporting saidgathering device for movement from positions adjacent the mine bottom inadvance of the shovel to elevated positions with the bottom of saidgathering device above the tops of said laterally arranged body portionsand driving connections for said gathering device driven by saidconveyor driving means and having portions between said laterallyarranged body portions and portions outside said laterally arranged bodyportions, the portions between said laterally arranged body portionslying underneath the lower run of the gathering conveyor.

19. A loading machine comprising a body and supporting means for thebody providing mobility therefor, said body having side frames providingportions projecting forwardly beyond said supporting means, a gatheringconveyor arranged between said side frames comprising an upper, upwardlyand rearwardly traveling run and a lower, downwardly and forwardlytraveling run, a shovel up which material may be moved to said gatheringconveyor, a cooperating gathering device having supporting armsjournaled outside said side frames and swingable upwardly about an axisbelow and to the rear of the tops of the forward ends of said side frameportions, to a position in which a line connecting the forward portionsof the tops of the side frames passes beneath said arms, and means fordriving said cooperating gathering device, for effecting swinging ofsaid arm's and for driving said conveyor rotating on alined axesextending beneath the conveyor whereby large blocks of material may bemoved along said conveyor irrespective or the position of thecooperating gathering device and including a driving element common tothe drive of said gathering device swinging and driving means.

20. A loading machine comprising a body and supporting means for the1oody providing mobility therefor, said body having side framesproviding portions projecting forwardly beyond said supporting means, agathering conveyor arranged between said side frames comprising anupper, upwardly and rearwardly traveling run and a lower, downwardly andforwardly traveling run, said side frames coacting to maintain materialagainst lateral escape from' a portion of said conveyor, a cooperatinggathering device having supporting arms journaled outside said sideframes and swingable upwardly to position said cooperating gatheringdevice above the planes of the tops of said side frames, and means fordriving said cooperating gathering device, for eecting Swingin T of saidarms and for driving said oonveyor including connections respectivelyarranged outside said side frames, within one of said side frames, andbetween said side frames below the lower run of the conveyor, and commonmotor operated actuating means for said connections.

FRANK A. HALLECK.

